New J.J. McCarthy Rumors on Potential Trade After Losing Vikings QB Battle to Kyler Murray

There isn't any talk of a potential trade involving J.J. McCarthy after the former Michigan star signal-caller lost the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback battle to Kyler Murray.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network provided news on that front Friday (45-second mark).

"As far as I know, there's no trade in the works," Rapoport said.

"As far as I know, J.J. McCarthy has not requested a trade at all. And there is a line of thinking where he would benefit from being in (head coach) Kevin O'Connell's system, continuing to learn it, if he ever plays, would be in better position in Minnesota to play than anywhere else, but I think it is fair to say it is to be determined on where J.J. McCarthy is next."

The Vikings selected McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but he missed the regular season after suffering a torn meniscus during a preseason game.

McCarthy became the Vikings' QB1 in 2025, but he endured an injury-shortened season capped at 10 games. More specifically, McCarthy lost time due to a high ankle sprain, a concussion and a small hairline fracture in his hand.

On the field, McCarthy encountered struggles, throwing more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11) and completing 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards (6.7 YPA). He also rushed for 181 yards and four scores.

Minnesota went 9-8 despite struggles at the QB position, so the talent was there to have better team success with better play behind center. In the offseason, the Vikings sought a veteran quarterback and got one in Murray on a one-year deal.

Now there's a big question on McCarthy's future in town. He has two years remaining on his rookie deal. If Murray does well, it's possible that the Vikings keep him around and make him their future QB. That would leave McCarthy's future in Minnesota in great doubt, perhaps leading to a trade.

In the meantime, McCarthy appears to be Minnesota's backup as the Vikings look to get the season off to a good start on Sunday, Sept. 13 when they host the Green Bay Packers.